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Best Tent Camping near Delmar, IA

599 Reviews

Tent campsites near Delmar, Iowa provide access to wooded landscapes along rivers and within natural areas. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area offers primitive tent camping along the Maquoketa River with sites featuring tables, fire rings, and basic latrines. Joinerville County Park permits tent camping by permit application submitted one month in advance, with direct access to the Maquoketa River but no toilet facilities.

Most primitive tent sites require campers to pack in all supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles. Buzzard Ridge provides two parking areas where tent campers must hike in to reach riverfront campsites. The terrain typically consists of natural, ungraded surfaces beneath forest canopy. Potable water is generally unavailable at these primitive locations, requiring tent campers to bring sufficient water supplies. Some sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities vary considerably. Toilet facilities range from basic latrines to none at all, with Joinerville County Park lacking any restroom infrastructure.

Walk-in tent sites offer a more secluded camping experience than developed campgrounds in the region. The forested settings provide natural screening between sites and create a quieter atmosphere. Tent campers can access the Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers for fishing and paddling opportunities directly from several primitive camping areas. Sites at Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area provide direct river access with minimal infrastructure, appealing to those seeking a more natural camping experience. According to one visitor, Buzzard Ridge is a "unique hike or paddle primitive site with native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area."

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Best Tent Sites Near Delmar, Iowa (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Delmar, IA

3 Photos of 15 Delmar Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Delmar, IA

599 Reviews of 15 Delmar Campgrounds

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2022

    Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area

    Unique County wildlife site along Maquoketa River

    Unique hike or paddle primitive site. Native forbs and wildlife surrounding the area. Two parking sites to hike in or access by river. Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace.

  • C
    Jun. 6, 2018

    Matsell Bridge Natural Area

    Nice little inexpensive primitive site... spaces almost always available

    Nice quiet little primitive campground next to the Wapsipinicon River. Unfortunately, when I was there the last weekend of May, the gnats were bad, and the mosquitoes were just starting to gear up. HOWEVER, take bug spray and enjoy the rustic peacefulness of this "best kept secret" for primitive and inexpensive camping sites. Beautiful location, ranger close by, wood for sale just across the bridge, fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Good for RV, trailer or tent camping… level ground and lots of shade. Primitive bathrooms, no showers or running water.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 7, 2025

    Bald Eagle Campground and Cabins

    Barren RV-Riddled Campground Outpost

    One of the 6 campgrounds that you will have to choose from here at Scott County Park, Bald Eagle CG & Cabins is one that is more geared for the RV driving and trailer toting tribes as each site has FHUs with electric, water & sewage, fire rings and picnic tables; however, if you wanted to pitch a tent here, you could, although I would recommend nearby Incahias as an alternative. Unlike some of the other campgrounds here, Bald Eagle kind of lives up to its name as there’s not much in the way of tree cover or brush, so the land is somewhat BALD. The land is incredibly flat, back-in slots are spacious, hard and very level grounds are incredibly well-organized and the bathroom / shower facilities with great HOT running water and are about as impeccably clean as can be.

    Near by Bald Eagle is Pride Lake, which makes this pet-friendly CG your top pick if you’re an angler or looking to get some decent oaring with your kayak or canoe. Sitting in front of Pride Lake are 2 very large shelters – Whispering Pines and Hickory Hills – as well as a playground for the kiddos and a restroom facility that is also spartan-clean. Surrounding Bald Eagle is also no shortage of hiking / biking / horse trails. We found the CG itself to be fairly quiet, although lacking in privacy without the benefit of any real brush or trees to blot out our next-door neighbors, but that said, everyone was incredibly friendly with full displays of Midwestern hospitality that this area is known for. There is also a single large cabin available for rent that has capacity for 10 people.

    We loved Scott County Park so much because there is a lot that this gem offers up, from fresh water catch & release lakes, a combination of topographies (from woodlands, wetlands and prairie grasslands), a beautiful 18-hole championship golf course, outdoor exercise areas, club house and concessions, stand-alone cabins for rent, designated dump stations and trash receptacles, numerous picnic areas, a massive heated swimming pool complete with a snake-like water slide, volleyball court, ranger stations, seasonal on-site hosts, firewood available for purchase at entry stations, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and St. Anne’s church at the park’s NW perimeter, 7 community shelters, designated picnic areas, a memorial park, equestrian area and an incredibly well-paved network of roads that allows you to easily access just about every corner of this park.

    Happy Camping!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2022

    Saulsbury Bridge Rec Area, Primitive Tent Camp

    Neat Primitive Tent CG along water

    The camp is walking only, with few tables and fire rings. Firewood available t main cg all ng with water and showers there too. Sites are spread along a waterway within bottom land woodlands with water access for fishing, paddling etc. Parking is within 100 yards so must pack in/out, use Leave No Trace ethics.

  • Jessica H.
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area - Main Camping

    Ranger Review: VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens at Saulsbury Bridge

    Campground Review:

    Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is 675 acres, nestled between rolling fields of corn, dairy farms, native prairie, and the Cedar River. Located in Muscatine County in southeast Iowa, this rec area offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, fishing, kayaking/canoeing and seasonal hunting.

    There are three separate campgrounds. The main campground has electrical hookups, picnic benches, fire rings, modern restroom facilities including showers, a dump station, playground, and firewood for purchase. There are 24 sites, and they run $20 per night.

    The primitive campground area sits along Chicken Creek and offers four, tent-only sites, and is just off the main campground. The sites are well spaced and surrounded by large trees. These are walk in sites with parking in the main campground. It’s a short hike in from the parking area, and within walking distance of the restrooms and firewood. Primitive sites are $10 per night.

    Across the road from these two campgrounds is the main boat access and fishing dock for Chicken Creek. Only non-motorized boats are allowed here. If you don’t have your own, you can rent kayaks and canoes through the Muscatine County Conservation office. There is also a large shelter, which is reservable along with day use picnic areas, playgrounds, a sand volleyball court, and vault toilets. There’s large, open expanses of grassy fields and oak shade trees; perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day.

    The river campground sits right along the Cedar River and allows easy access to fishing along with a boat ramp. This campground is a short hike to the old Saulsbury Bridge and Lodge. The bridge has a small gazebo-like structure and bench which provides a nice view of the river. There are vault toilets in this campground, but the modern restrooms are within walking distance as well. There are 10 sites in this campground and run $17 per night.

    All campsites are self-registration and are on a first come, first served basis. There is a campground host on duty in the main campground and the park officer lives on site. Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash in the campgrounds and on trails. However, they are allowed to run in the designated hunting areas. These areas are marked with signs. If you plan to hike during hunting season, it’s a good idea to wear bright colors/blaze orange so you are visible to hunters and not mistaken for a deer or other wildlife.

    This park also has prairie/natural habitat restoration areas that, in spring and summer, attract Monarch butterflies, and an abundance of birds including indigo bunting, red headed woodpecker, and goldfinch. In the colder months you can spot bald eagles flying along the river. There are also deer, wild turkey, and pheasants. While there, we walked around the campground areas that were open and over to the day use area along Chicken Creek to roast marshmallows. We hiked the short distance out to the Saulsbury Bridge to watch the Cedar River flow by and caught a beautiful sunset.

    The one downfall to this park is the possibility for flooding. When the Cedar River is high, it pushes Chicken Creek out of its banks which can mean potential closure of campgrounds.

    A call ahead to the conservation office to check on closures is a good idea. We had hoped to camp at a primitive site, but learned the trail leading into the campground was under water, which also meant the river campground was closed as well. Though there was some water over the road in the main campground, it was minimal and we were able to choose an electrical site. We opted to car camp as we were only staying one night. Only about a third of the campground was filled and we had no one on either side of us which meant for a more quiet camping experience.

    This is one of my favorite local areas to hike and camp that’s close to home. It offers a full picture of Iowa’s varied landscapes and outdoor activity opportunities.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time. On this camping trip, I tried out VivoBarefoot Primus Trail SG Womens sneakers. VivoBarefoot’s goal is to provide an environment that allows the feet to remain in their natural state while providing a protective shoe. https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/womens/off-road/primus-trail-sg-womens?colour=Olive

    1. Anytime I purchase a new pair of shoes, whether for daily use or outdoor recreation, I make sure to break them in as much as possible as I’m prone to blisters. I did wear the Primus around the house a few times and on my daily walks before taking them camping. Though they have a snug fit, they’re not uncomfortable. They also include a pair of removable inserts and extra laces. The laces are adjustable which allowed me to either loosen or tighten the shoe. Bonus; no socks needed. As someone who would opt to wear sandals year round if possible, I liked the fact I didn’t have to put an extra layer on my feet.
    2. The timing couldn’t have been better for testing out these sneakers; Saulsbury was experiencing minor flooding while we were there. Not only do they have rugged soles for gripping in wet and rocky terrain, the mesh material allows for quick drying if they do get wet, and provided easy clean up of mud and other debris.
    3. Honestly, I was really pleased with the fact that many of the women’s shoes came in neutral and earth tone colors (I absolutely checked out other shoe options on their website). While I don’t mind the brighter colors that seem to be the trend for women’s trail runners, I really prefer something a little more low key.
    4. One of the best things about these shoes was the ease of slipping them on and off, say in the middle of the night when nature called.
    5. All in all, I feel this shoe is a good match for the outdoor activities I enjoy; camping, hiking, bicycling, and kayaking. I’m looking forward to seeing how they hold up while hiking in the mountains out West this summer.
  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 30, 2025

    New Wine Park Dubuque County Park

    Nice small county park campground

    General: This is a small (29-site) county park campground situated along the North Fork Maquoketa River. Nine of the sites are reservable, and the rest are first-come, first-served. Some sites are primitive, and some have water and 30-amp electricity hookups. There is one ADA-accessible site with a paved camper pad. 

    Site Quality: Most sites are level. The camper pads are gravel/grass, but not all are clearly defined. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. 

    Bath/Shower: The bath/shower house was closed when we were there in November but there are vault toilets about a quarter mile from the campground (in the day-use area) that were very clean and well-stocked when we were there. 

    Activities/Amenities: Many activities including disc golf, three hiking trails, volleyball, two playgrounds (one in the day-use area and one by the campsites). There are two reservable picnic shelters. There is also a dump station. 

    We were tent camping in November on a backpacking trip so we didn’t take advantage of any of the activities but would return in our van on a future camping trip. We were the ONLY ones in the campground at this time of year!

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Swiss Valley County Park

    Great County park, preserve, campground

    Campground is well maintained, restrooms, showers, recycling station, fire wood available, campground host onsite, resident park ranger, standard RV sites, some electric tent sites otherwise primitive with fire rings and tables. Trout stream (Catfish Creek) runs through campground and park and is stocked by Iowa DNR, has Swiss Valley Nature center with trails.

  • Amy W.
    Apr. 2, 2022

    Morrison-Rockwood State Park

    Family friendly; great first timers

    first timers/ young kids- yes. Primitive campers- no. My husband had never been camping. I grew up with very primitive camping- no electricity, only pit toilets, sometimes fresh water, and no showers (milk jug showers!) Little by little, I’m warming him up to camping. This is a great place for new campers, families of young kids, or just looking for an easier trip. There’s a shower house with flush toilets, warm showers, and surprisingly CLEAN! The site was medium size. Enough room to spread out. Ground was flat so finding a tent site was no problem. Electric hookup worked. Picnic table was good. Check your site before booking! One section of sites is like an open field? No trees and full view of others. But these surround a playground- also very nice. Glamping with young kids? These sites would be a perfect. AT&T and Verizon cell service worked fine

  • James M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Sherman Co Park

    Scenic County park along Wapsipinicon River

    The campground offers to camp areas: one better suited for RVs, and the other area is better suited for primitive tent, camping. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, our recites include electric. There is a campground host, shower house, shelter and playground area there too. The tent sites are prone to flooding occasionally from the gun river. There is a boat ramp with access to the river for fishing and paddling.

Guide to Delmar

Primitive camping opportunities abound within a 30-mile radius of Delmar, Iowa, with sites offering varied river access and forest immersion experiences. The region's landscape features gently rolling hills at elevations between 700-850 feet above sea level, with camping areas typically situated near the Wapsipinicon and Maquoketa Rivers. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature fluctuations requiring additional preparation.

What to do

Paddling access points: Several locations offer direct water access for kayaking and canoeing. The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center features a one-mile stretch of the Wapsipinicon River with paddling access. According to James M., this area "specializes in environmental education and the Eagle View Eco Center with exhibits and native live animals, trails, prairie, observatory, amphitheater, 1 mile stretch of the Wapsipinicon River with paddling access."

River fishing opportunities: Cast for native species in the Maquoketa and Wapsipinicon Rivers. At Joinerville County Park, the Maquoketa River access includes a hard surface entry point ideal for fishing. James M. describes it as a "Small wooded County CG along Maquoketa River" noting that "Maquoketa River access has hard surface access entry."

Hiking trail exploration: Several trail systems connect camping areas to scenic viewpoints and river overlooks. The Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. offers multiple trail options. One camper notes, "Trail head right next to cabin. After hours offers quite park, dark skies, and trails with wildlife. Wapsipinicon River access just down River Trail."

What campers like

Night sky viewing: The rural location offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from city light pollution. James M. mentions at the Wapsi River Environmental Center that "No city like that so night sky shines with stars. Trails wind and through forests and prairie areas." Some sites even offer astronomy programs.

Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide interpretive exhibits and programming about local ecosystems. At Indian Meadows Campground, visitors enjoy educational components alongside natural features. James M. describes it having "trails including horse and bike. Main park has firewood, boat rentals, etc."

Secluded camping experience: Find private, wooded sites away from crowds and noise. Wendy R. says of Indian Meadows, "Indian Meadows has individual private sites. If you're seeking seclusion, this is it! Some are more open, others are like a nature playpen. Lake George is beautiful, perfect for kayaking."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Some parks require advance planning. At Joinerville County Park, primitive camping is available "by approved permit application 1 month in advance of stay," according to James M.

Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. Buzzard Ridge Wildlife Area offers basic amenities but requires preparation. James M. describes it as having "Site is along river, has table, fire ring, latrine. Pack in, pack out and Leave No Trace."

River access conditions: Water levels fluctuate seasonally affecting paddling and fishing opportunities. Ryan from Lock and Dam 13 notes that there's "Great fishing, especially along the spillway. There is a little beach next to the dam."

Environmental hazards: Be aware of local plants and insects. One camper at Worthington Sportsman's Club states, "The camping spot was beautiful (although you have to watch out for nettles)."

Tips for camping with families

Cabin accommodations: For families wanting more amenities, cabins provide comfort while maintaining a nature experience. Cedar River Campground offers family-friendly facilities. Steve T. notes, "Not our typical campsite but we had the kids down for the weekend and we thought a campsite with a pool and mini golf would be fun break from the norm."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several sites offer chances to see native animals in natural settings. James M. describes the Wapsi River Center as having a "nature center with live animals, trails, open year round."

Recreation facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional activities beyond camping. Cedar River Campground includes "playground, pool, mini golf, Cedar River access," according to James M.

Educational programming: Look for sites with interpretive programs designed for children. The Wapsi River Center offers "Outdoor/environmental programs" that can engage young campers in learning activities.

Tips from RVers

Site sizing considerations: Many primitive areas have limited RV capacity or accessibility. Koch's Meadow Lake Campground provides better RV accommodations. James M. describes it as "a full service CG for RVs with community buildings, gravel road lanes, pet friendly, and lake access for fishing, paddling and swimming."

Access road conditions: Several campgrounds have unpaved access roads which may be challenging after rain. At Joinerville County Park, James M. notes there's a "Gravel access road into and around park."

Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. Cedar River Campground operates from "April 15 to October 15," giving RVers a defined camping season to plan around.

Hookup limitations: While some RV sites offer electric and water, full hookups are less common in this region. Be prepared to conserve water and manage waste appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Delmar, IA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Delmar, IA is Wapsi River Environmental Ed. Ctr. with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Delmar, IA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Delmar, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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